The Winter of our Discontent

So my beloved Redbirds crashed and burned magnificently in the earliest possible days of October. In times like these, I prefer not to look at our recent failures, but instead to gaze for a moment towards the offseason. Like any other fan whose season ends prematurely, I take comfort in planning for the future. Therefore, here is my assessment of the 2009/2010 offseason for the Cardinals.

What We Know

1. This house is built on stone.

Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, and Yadier Molina will all be back in 2010. This quartet represents the backbone of the St. Louis Cardinals, and provides the Strong core required in order to build a winner. Carpenter and Wainwright combined for more wins and a lower ERA than any other 1-2 starter combination in the major leagues. Albert Pujols is the best player in all of baseball, perhaps the greatest player of all time, and Yadier Molina is the glue that keeps this group together with his excellent defense, clutch hitting, and pure toughness. As long as these four players wear the Birds on the Bat, the Cardinals will have a good chance.

2. Those kids can play.

While Carpenter, Wainwright, Pujols and Molina provide critical veteran leadership, the Cardinals boast an excellent mix of fine young talent that is beginning to make its mark on the team. Brendan Ryan, Skip Schumacker, and Colby Rasmus were key contributors in the Cardinal's NL Central championship. For Schumacker, it was his second season as an everyday contributor, after switching from the outfield to second base. His offense never skipped (no pun intended) a beat, and by the end of the year he was a better than average second baseman. Brendan Ryan finally showed us that he could achieve his potential. He went from a borderline bench player to the finest everyday defensive shortstop in the league while batting .292. Rasmus displayed glimpses of spectacular defense while also teasing us with some periods of scorching hotness at the plate. Altogether, his rookie season was a successful, if not spectacular one. His continued progression will be key to at least the next 5 years of Cardinal baseball.

3. No fluke.

Ryan Ludwick's breakout 2008 season was not an aberration. Despite being sidelined for a month with an injury, and then returning too soon to the playing field (according to Tony LaRussa) Ludwick still blasted 22 homers and drove in 97 runs. His production is not in question, and neither is his defense.

4. Still the best fans.

Despite the state of our economy and soaring unemployment, the Cardinals once again drew over 3 million fans to Busch Stadium. The support of the fanbase was credited by both the front office and Tony LaRussa for bringing in the talent we needed via midseason trades. St. Louis still does, and always will, bleed Cardinal red.

5. Mo Money.

The task of assembling the 2010 Cardinals falls to General Manager John Mozeliak, better known as "Mo." And he's got plenty of money to spend. The contracts of Troy Glaus, Rick Ankiel, Khalil Greene and Todd Wellemeyer all come off the books, and all four were subpar or worse performers in 2009. Gone forever are the dead weight contracts of Adam Kennedy and Juan Encarnacion. Still, the task before Mozeliak is daunting. Joel Piniero, John Smoltz, Matt Holliday and Mark DeRosa are all free agents. It is unlikely the Cardinals can bring all of them back, and that fact leads us into our next section:

What we don't know

1. Put me in, coach.

Most of the 2009 coaching staff, including Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan, are at the end of their contracts. The front office has already announced that as long as Tony wants to manage, he is welcome in St. Louis. The question is, does Tony want to manage? LaRussa has his own methods by which he judges whether or not he wishes to return, and it will likely be a month or so before we know what his decision is. In Dave Duncan's case, it becomes a little more complicated. Duncan expressed a great deal of anger following the trade of his son Chris to the Red Sox this season. His ire was directed both at the front office for getting rid of the younger Duncan, as well as the fans and media for their poor treatment of the left fielder. The question of Dave Duncan's return as pitching coach may be the most important one of all. It was Duncan who turned Joel Piniero into a groundball machine. Duncan took journeyman Kyle Lohse and made him a viable number 2 or 3 starter. Duncan's successful list of projects includes names like Eckersley, Bottenfield, Weaver, and Kile. Dave Duncan is the heart and soul of Cardinal pitching, and if he doesn't want to come back, he leaves a gaping black hole in his wake.

2. The Cardinal's favorite Holliday.

Albert Pujols is the hitting machine that makes the St. Louis offense go. During the second half of 2009, Matt Holliday was the oil for that machine. The price the Cardinals payed for Holliday's services was high, as top prospects Brett Wallace, Christ Mortensen, and Shane Peterson were swapped to Oakland in return for the slugger. Now, the true test comes. Holliday will be the most wanted offensive weapon available this offseason, and his suitors will be many and deep-pocketed. The jury is still out on whether GM John Mozeliak did the right thing with this trade. If Holliday chooses to stay in St. Louis and signs a long term contract, Mo will be a hero and the Cardinals will have the best middle of the order in baseball. If Holliday signs elsewhere, Mo is the goat. Should the worst happen and Holliday leaves the Cardinals, there will be precious few options. Jason Bay, Vladimir Guerrero, and Carl Crawford round out the sub-Holliday tier of free agent outfielders.

3. Who's on third?

While Troy Glaus missed nearly the entire season with a serious of physical ailments the Cardinals were forced to mix and match at the hot corner until a midseason trade for Mark DeRosa. DeRosa promptly suffered a wrist injury that will require offseason surgery. Allow me to say this: That DeRosa played through the injury for the entire second half of the season speaks volumes about his grit and character. However, wrist surgeries are the boogieman to big league hitters. DeRosa has been vocal about his desire to stay in St. Louis, but should the Cardinals choose to sign him they will be taking a risk. Wrist surgery for hitters is like shoulder surgery for pitchers. My gut feeling is that DeRosa is worth the risk, however, other options exist as well. Prospect David Freese showed potential in a September cup of coffee with the team. With the departure of Brett Wallace, Freese becomes the number one option should the Cardinals choose to look inside the organization. The free agent market for thirdbasemen is a lean one, as only Joe Crede and Melvin Mora deserve more than a passing glance.

4. Bringing up the rear.

With Carpenter, Wainwright, and Kyle Lohse under contract for 2010, only 2 rotation spots remain open. Todd Wellemeyer, Joel Piniero, and John Smoltz are all free agents, and Mitchell Boggs and Blake Hawksworth are the top prospects from within. It is highly unlikely that the Cardinals will choose to spend a large amount of money on their starting pitching this off season, considering the top three spots are taken, and the need to sign one or two big bats. Therefore, look for Todd Wellemeyer to walk, while the team tries to decide whether John Smoltz or Joel Piniero is a better fit. Signing both is likely out of the question monetarily. The final spot in the rotation will go to either Boggs or Hawksworth. I tend to think that John Smoltz will come cheaper and with less commitment than Piniero, who is coming off a career year. Smoltz provides yet another veteran presence, and will likely only sign a one or two year deal. This allows the Cardinals to progress their young starters into the big leagues with great mentors and an excellent time frame.

So that's what we know and what we don't know. I'll finish with some bold predictions:

Matt Holliday will sign with the Cardinals, and for a lot of money. As a result of Holliday's price tag, the Cardinals part ways with Ankiel, Wellemeyer, and Piniero. John Smoltz remains a Cardinal, and Blake Hawksworth wins the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation. Third base is a toss up. Hopefully DeRosa accepts a one year deal with incentives. If not, look for David Freese to take the reigns at third.

Andy Fletcher

Andy Fletcher is the name of the man who cost the Redbirds a victory last night. Fletcher, the home plate umpire for yesterday's game against the Braves, made a mockery of his profession as well as the game of baseball.

From the first inning it was apparent that the blue-clad bumbler had slept through Major League Baseball's training on exactly where the strike zone was. Pitch after pitch that was clearly a foot outside became strike three, and several players (on both teams) had gripes with Fletcher's cross-eyed pitch calling. He was so bad at the plate, the first base umpire actually had to overrule him, correcting a call on a pitch that was clearly fouled at the plate. (Matt Holliday was batting...)

Fletcher's worst transgression, however, came in a pivotal moment in the 6th inning with the Cardinals trailing 1-0. With one out, Colby Rasmus came to bat. Ryan Ludwick was on first, Holliday on second. Rasmus rapped a single through the right side of the infield, and Holliday was waved home by third base coach Jose Oquendo. A strong throw by Ryan Church arrived at home plate just late, as Holliday clearly slid around the tag. He looked safe from my seats at the game. He looked safe on live television. Instant replay confirmed that, not only was he safe, IT WASN'T EVEN REMOTELY CLOSE. Fletcher's call: Out. I can comfortably say without any reservation, this was the worst call I've ever seen in any baseball game ever.

Fletcher's horrendous umpiring in this game makes one wonder if he was drunk, stoned, or mentally handicapped. Sports should be decided by the play of the athletes on the field, not the ineptitude of one man whose incompetence was so clearly on display.

Andy Fletcher, please retire. The game of baseball would be better without you. You are an embarrassment to every honest, hardworking umpire in the league. You are an embarrassment to baseball itself.

Quote of the Week

"That you may retain your self-respect, it is better to displease the people by doing what you know is right, than to temporarily please them by doing what you know is wrong."
- William J.H. Boetcker

Never Too Late

Good evening, and welcome back to the Redbird Aviator's Musings.

It has been 354 days since last I posted anything in this blog. Many things have changed, most important among them is my beautiful wife. Love is indeed a many-splendored thing, and marriage greatly enhances those splendors.

To say that my wife is my dream come true would be a great injustice. No dream I have ever enjoyed could live up to my wife. Clearly my imagination was simply not up to the challenge when tasked with considering my future spouse. There was never a day or an hour when I had envisioned being so blessed...

Blessed is indeed the word. My wife is my greatest blessing, my answered prayer. She is so much better than my dream come true.

11 and 1/2 months I have neglected this blog. Tonight, I make my return. My musings will once again be set free upon the internet, for better or for worse...

Quote of the Week

"You believe because you have seen. Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet believe." - Jesus Christ

Gastronomy

Today I'd like to provide you, my faithful readers, with a useful list. I wish to inform you of the best foods available in this world (as far as I know), that your culinary adventures might be more fruitful. Here then, is a list of where to find the best food in each listed category. I got rather specific, as I don't believe in stamping my approval on an establishment as a whole. (Every restaurant in the world has a dish I would hate... Pizza was an exception to this rule) Don't forget your appetite!



Best Sandwiches:



1) The Legend Club - LeGrand's Deli, St. Louis, MO

This tasty pile of freshly sliced Boar's Head meats, combined with pepperjack cheese, garlic cream cheese, and pepper spread is a not-too-spicy delight. Without a doubt, the best meal between two pieces of bread ever conceived.



2) Cuban Sandwich - La Carreta, Miami, FL

Ham, sliced pork, swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and mayo on Cuban bread. You can't beat that with a stick...



3) Prosciutto con Tomate - Bella Vento, Rome, Italy

Ultra thinly sliced prosciutto, tomato slices, mozzarella cheese, onions, oregano, and olive oil. It's worth flying to Italy just for this sandwich, but you should stay and see the Vatican while you're there...



4) Sandwiche de Lomo - Pastry, Buenos Aires, Argentina

The most simple sandwich you can imagine: A half inch cut of filet, cooked to your taste and served with tomato between fresh french bread. No one knows meat like Argentines!



Best BBQ



1) Parrillada - Rodizio, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Like I said, no one knows meat like Argentines! A parrillada is a mixed grill filled with several cuts of beef, as well as rib tips, chorizo, sweet bread, blood sausage, etc. At Rodizio it is brought to you on a platter which rests atop hot coals. The finest cow ever prepared anywhere on earth.



2) Pork Ribs - Rendezvous, Memphis, TN

In a dark, secluded alley just across the street from the famous Peabody hotel, Rendezvous serves up the finest baby back ribs known to man. Whether your fancy is Carolina dry rub or Memphis Vinegar, you'll find ribs you can pull apart by hand.



3) Pulled Pork Sandwich - Michelbob's, Naples, FL

Michelbob's serves up some of the best American style bbq around, but the pulled pork sandwich stands out. Not overly sauced like at most bbq joints, just perfectly cooked and flavored meat served on a hoagie roll.



Seafood



1) Shrimp Scampi - Legal Seafood, Boston, MA

The only chain restaurant you'll find on this list, Legal Seafood serves up the finest shrimp scampi you'll ever know. The garlic and butter combination is intoxicating, and the end of your meal is gloriously slurped up with the two pieces of garlic toast that accompany the shrimp.



2) Dungeneous Crab - Eliot's Oyster House, Seattle, WA

It's whole, it's steamed, and it's delicious. Fresh out of Puget Sound, Eliot's Oyster House steams you up the best dungenous crab you'll ever taste, with a beautiful view to boot.



3) Clam Chowder - Bristol's, St. Louis, MO

Bristols can't compete with coastal restaurants when it comes to seafood freshness (although they come close) but when it comes to clam chowder, they've got the goods. I have no idea why theirs tastes so much better than anyone else's, but it ain't no lie.


Steak


1)Bife de Lomo - Rodizio, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Meat is a way of life in Argentina, as you all are discovering. This exquisite filet is cooked to perfection on a traditional Argentine brick grill. It doesn't need steak sauce or butter or a piece of bacon wrapped around it in order to taste good. Such trifles are left up to far lesser steak houses...

2) Bife de Chorizo - La Chacra, Buenos Aires, Argentina

At the entrance to La Chacra there is a stuffed cow to great you. The restaurant inside might as well be a shrine to beef. Bife de Chorizo is a cut found only in Argentina, and that alone is worth a journey south.

3) Filet Mignon - Hereford House, Kansas City, MO

The Hereford House is a Kansas City institution. A marvelous wine list compliments the finest cuts of meat west of the Mississippi, and the filet is certainly the king. Dessert was mildly disappointing, but with dead cow like this, who cares?

4) New York Strip - Flemmings, Richmond, VA

A tender, moist, cooked to perfection strip is a thing of beauty, and I haven't found a place that does it better than Flemmings. The ranch garlic mashed potatoes are an excellent add to a fantastic beef experience!


Pasta


1) Tortellini a la panna - Mom and Pop joint, Florence, Italy

After wandering around the town for about 30 minutes in search of lunch, some friends of mine and I stumbled onto what was literally a mom and pop restaurant with two tables, and only two things on the menu. Tortellini, and salad. It was, beyond any doubt, the finest Italian pasta meal I'd ever eaten. Alas, there's no way I could ever find the place again...

2) Linguini Tutto Mare - Ristorante La Lanterna, Sorrento, Italy

The Linguini is hand made on location, and the fish and clams used for the white wine sauce are yanked from the ocean that very day. 'Nuff said.

3) Spaghetti Bolognese - Il Convivio, Rome, Italy

Three straight Italian restaurants in the pasta section. Hmmm... Coincidence? Il Convivio has a great atmosphere, friendly staff, and the best bolognese sauce I've ever tasted.

4) Cannelloni - Gianfabio's, St. Louis, MO

Gotta show the locals some love here. Gianfabio's is by far St. Louis's (and perhaps the midwest's?) best tasting Italian restaurant. The Cannelloni are veal stuffed and served under a cream and meat sauce mix. Yummy!


Pizza (listed by best pizza joints, not individual types)


1) Los Inmortales - Buenos Aires, Argentina

Yes folks, Argentina has the best food on the planet. I've been all over the US, Canada, South America, and Italy, and the fact is, no where yet has the food been so consistently good over so many categories. Pizza is no different, as Los Inmortales serves up fresh mozzarella and toppings to your heart's content.

2) Lou Malnato's - Chicago, IL

Giordano's is more popular, but Lou Malnatos is a better pie hands down. Deep dish lovers revel in front of a pizza you have no choice but to eat with a fork and knife.

3) La Gallina Bianca - Rome, Italy

It's the thick but light crust that makes this Rome's best pizza. If you don't parle Italiano, just point at what you want. They'll hack you off a slice big enough to be a meal, and you'll be a happy camper for sure.

4) Imo's - St. Louis, MO

If you're into super thin crust pizza (and I certainly am!) then Imo's is the place. It's a locally famous chain, and the only delivery place to make the list.


Well folks, you're welcome to argue with me all you want, but I'm sticking to my guns on this one. If you have additions, suggestions or just something mean to say to me, feel free to comment. I certainly hope for your sake that one day you'll visit one or two of these fine establishments. If you do, please let me know how you liked it!

Quote of the Week

"Nothing brings out the worst in our country like an election year."

Quote of the Week

"There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness." - Friedrich Nietzsche

Where Have You Gone Joe DiMaggio?

July 19th since my last addition to this blog. Such is the state of my life right now that I cannot find even the time to muse aloud in this medium...

Truth be told, the drain on my time is entirely the result of my very happy and fulfilling relationship. She is, without a doubt, the answer to my prayers. I can only hope to be the man she deserves...

So while I turn my attention to bettering myself for her benefit, there will surely be more future periods of blog neglect. I suppose you folks will just have to deal with it. Really, you don't have a choice...